Ex-NNPC CFO denies EFCC arrest over $7.2bn fraud allegation

Former Chief Finance Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Umar Ajiya Isa, has denied reports that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged involvement in a $7.2 billion refinery fraud.

In a statement personally signed and released to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Isa clarified that he was never detained by the anti-graft agency, stating that he voluntarily presented himself for questioning.

“Nobody arrested me for any $7.2 billion concerning any refinery fraud.

“I voluntarily submitted myself for questioning to the EFCC, and thereafter, I went home.

“To see in the media stories of my arrest over fraud is unfortunate,” Isa said.

The allegation, which began circulating on Monday, linked Isa to suspicious transactions involving the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.

But the former CFO dismissed the claims as unfounded and aimed at damaging his reputation.

“I served at NNPC Limited and I left with my integrity intact.

“Nobody has accused me of any fraud throughout my sojourn at the company.

“People who are pushing this false narrative of arrests and detention just want to tarnish my reputation,” he stated.

Isa further pledged his readiness to cooperate fully with the EFCC whenever called upon, noting that he remains within the country.

“I am in this country, and any day and anytime the EFCC requests me to appear before them, I will be present,” Isa affirmed.